TREAT YOURSELF WITH WATER

TREAT YOURSELF WITH WATER
Ndirangu Festus Irungu

Water is life! Little have we ever realized the importance of water apart from the usual; drinking, cooking and cleaning ourselves? Most of us don’t know that water can be used in home treatment of many common health problems. The medical term that is used for water treatment is hydrotherapy.
Doctor Martin Muwoola says that hydrotherapy is any natural water based treatment that tries to treat all disorder of physical body, spirit and mind.“Ugandans use this method without realizing. Ladies usually use it to relieve menstruation cramps…while other relaxes by swimming.” Dr. Muwoola said.The practice that traces its origin from ancient Egyptians and Babylonians has some of the following treatment.
The Hot Foot BathIn cold season like the one we are experiencing, its better to prevent ourselves since prevention is better than cure. However, if you accidentally face respiratory and cold disease, do not panic as you wait to see a physician. A hot foot bath is useful in treating the disturbed circulation of colds congestion, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.Dipping our hands in hot water can relieve vascular headaches and tensions headaches. However, caution should be exercised when administering such treatment especially in cases of peripheral vascular disease or diabetes unless specifically ordered by a physician. Never use it for frozen toes. The water should be kept at 102-104 degrees, use a thermometer if available, if not; use your elbow to make sure it’s not too hot.
Steps Patient should lie on a bed or sit on a chair. She/he should drape the body with a light blanket especially if the weather is chilly.
Pour the water in foot tab (bucket or basin). Then place the patient feet on hot water. Use a compressed cold towel to the neck to treat headaches. Add hot water from time to time, increasing its temperature but never go above 104 degrees. Steam Inhalation.
Many are the times when we are boiling water do we realize the importance of steam. Steam inhalation supply warm moist air to congested mucous membrane, acting as solvent for thick mucous discharges. Apart from this it can be good cure of laryngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and even pneumonia. Use a kettle to boil the water and inhale the steam. Hot Formentation.According to Dr. Foster in his book New Start! Fomentation is moist heat treatment applied to the body by water heated or steam heated segments of blanket. The treatment increases blood supply to the skin, also useful for chronic arthritis, muscle sprain, neuralgia and other inflammatory conditions. Chest colds, bronchitis, flu and other respiratory infection can be treated using this mean.
Treating the throat.This use a moist cold application which causes the body to react and send an increased blood flow to the area treated. This treatment can be used for tonsils, sore throat and pharyngitis. Need something to wake you up.After a good sleep, many depend on a cup of tea or coffee to wake them up. However, try a hot and cold shower. You’re supposed to start with warm water shower and increase temperature to as hot you can reasonably bear. Then quickly reverse to cold and remain there for 20 seconds. However, this treatment should never be used in presence in presence of some types of heart disease, extreme high blood pressure or in cases of liver or kidney failure consult a physician.
CautionWater can be used for other treatment and relaxation. However, any treatment is best done with the help of an assistant.
It’s better to remember not to try treating everything with water. Life is not simple and self diagnosis is often hazardous. You still need a physician.But don’t always run to a physician for every little bruise or cold, try some of the tips with water while waiting for an appointment with a physician. Remember; if symptoms persist seek doctors’ advice.
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